Aimee Gibson & Catherine Rose lift the FIP Rise Doha title
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British padel duo Aimee Gibson and Catherine Rose captured the FIP Rise Doha title this week – adding another trophy to their impressive seasons.
Top seeds Gibson and Rose beat Spanish fourth seeds Ainize Santamaria Landa and Natalia Molinilla Paniagua in the final 6-0, 6-3 to get their hands on the trophy.
For British No.1 Gibson, this is her third FIP title of the season so far, adding to the FIP Promotion Cairo trophy she won earlier this year and the FIP Rise Manila. She’s now won two titles in her last two international events.
The result also sees Rose lift her first title at FIP level – becoming the fourth British woman to win a trophy at on this stage.
“It’s so nice to win another FIP Rise title with a fellow Brit,” said Gibson, off the back of recently being crowned champion in Manila with Victoria Nicholas.
“I think it shows how much padel is growing in the UK and it’s a lovely feeling to achieve it with a friend. We get along so well off the court, so I think this brings good energy onto the court. We were smiling and enjoying the whole way through.
“I’m thankful for the LTA’s support this year as they’ve given me an opportunity to play these tournaments so these titles wouldn’t be possible without them.
“Also, another big shoutout to Libby fletcher who is always supporting us from afar in every tournament. It’s great to have this support system in place.”
All the players in the squad continue to push each other and they really are achieving great things in tournaments and in their own improvements up the rankings to new personal highs.
The Brits had to come from a set down in the quarter-finals to beat German team Victoria Kurz and Denise Hoefer 6-7, 6-3, 7-5 before going on to defeat third seeds Karin Hechenberger and Dora Andrejszki 6-3, 6-2 in the semis.
Rose added, “It was amazing to win my first FIP title. Aimee is one of my best friends so to do this with her is a moment I will remember forever, and I think the rapport and understanding we have of each other helped us a lot on the court.
“I’m very happy to have achieved this so close to the end of the year and am taking this confidence and motivation from this win into next week’s tournament in Abu Dhabi. We have both been working extremely hard throughout this year so it’s amazing to see it all paying off.
“The LTA’s support has been vital especially Libby (Fletcher) and Steve (Yeardley) in getting me here with their advice, encouragement, and belief.
“I think it’s great for British padel to see so many Brits doing well in these events now and a British couple winning a FIP.”
Gibson and Rose are two of five British women currently ranked inside the world’s top 200 players – alongside Tia Norton, Lisa Phillips and Nicholas.
For GB Women’s Captain, Libby Fletcher, the rise of the British padel stars this season has been incredible and a testament to all the hard work the team are putting in both on and off the court.
“It's another fantastic result for the girls and I couldn’t be happier for Aimee and Catherine,” she said.
“I’ve tried to create a support structure for the players, so they know that if they need help or advise I'm there for them wherever they are in the world either training or competing. Aimee is a very tough competitor and has worked hard to be a leader on court while Catherine always brings the energy and smiles to the court, this partnership paid off this week.
“All the players in the squad continue to push each other and they really are achieving great things in tournaments and in their own improvements up the rankings to new personal highs.”
